Richard G. Nowak

Richard G. Nowak, 94, of Naples, Florida, formerly of Maumee, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at Physicians Regional Hospital in Naples.

Born December 6, 1930, in Toledo, Ohio, Richard was the son of Chester and Helen (Sniadecki) Nowak. He began his education at DeVilbiss High School before moving to Maumee, where he graduated from Maumee High School. Even as a teenager, Richard showed a passion for electronics and communication, earning his amateur radio license with the call letters W8AZB

While still in high school, Richard joined the National Guard, later attending Military Occupational Specialty Radio Mechanics School at Fort Benning, Georgia. When his unit was federalized, he served at Camp Polk, Louisiana, as a field radio operator, radio repair technician, and eventually an instructor in radio procedures.

After his military service, Richard met the love of his life, Donna J. Luettke, in Houston, Texas. They married and settled in Maumee, where Richard worked alongside his father in the family business. Originally an automotive store named Monte’s Auto, the business evolved into Auto and TV Sales and Service as Richard adapted to changing times. He later transitioned the store entirely to TV Sales and Service and served as President of the Electronic Service Dealer’s Guild (ESDG) for the Toledo area. After his father’s passing, Richard moved permanently to Naples, Florida.

In retirement, Richard pursued a new passion: industrial sewing. He became known for his skill in recovering boat and golf cart seats, taking full advantage of the Gulf-side community he called home. He also collected and restored vintage home sewing machines, proudly displaying his collection of 15 fully repaired models.

Richard is survived by his sons Mark (Jacque) Nowak, Dale Nowak, and Dean (Jennie) Nowak; grandchildren Connie Roeleven, Victoria Lornac, Ciara Nowak, and MacKenzie Nowak; and great-grandchildren Keegan, Brooklyn, and Olivia. He is preceded in death by his wife, Donna.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant Street, Maumee, OH. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at St. Petri Lutheran Church, 3120 S. Byrne Rd, Toledo, OH. where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Entombment will be held at Toledo Memorial Park.